When the Chicago Bears announced that Cody Whitehair would be going on the IR, they did not announce a specific timetable. The IR would be at least four weeks, and then they would see what his timetable was from there. It left the possibility of him returning once he was eligible on the table.
It was interesting to note that Brad Biggs tweeted that he not only expected to see Whitehair practice this week, but he would also have a chance to start.
One thing to watch for today: Will the #Bears designate LG Cody Whitehair (right knee) to return from injured reserve?
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) November 2, 2022
If so, there is a chance he starts vs #Dolphins on Sunday at Soldier Field. This is the first day Whitehair is eligible.
Whitehair would be able to practice for 21 days before taking up a roster spot, per NFL rules. However, if the team wanted to bring him up after a few days, that is reasonable. Considering Biggs is one of the best insiders on the Chicago Bears beat, this report had to be taken firmly.
From there, the team did designate Whitehair to return and opened his 21-day window. So, the first part that Biggs speculated on was correct, now did he nail the second part?
Reports are that he is on again. After a few days of practice, it appears as though Cody Whitehair has been taking all of the first team reps, and that he is going to in-line to start at left guard Sunday.
. @markgrotesports on @670TheScore just said that Cody Whitehair seems to be in line to be activated and slid back into his starting LG spot for Sunday’s #Bears game vs the #Dolphins.
— Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. (@wiltfongjr) November 3, 2022
Cody Whitehair has not been the same player as his peak from 2016-18. However, he is still a reliable veteran. Michael Schofield did not get blown up and lose the team any games, but we have seen what Schofield is. We have seen the upside, which is nothing special, and the downside, which is devastating.
With Whitehair, the upside might not be as high as it once was, but he is as sturdy as they come and pushes the floor of the entire offensive line up.
Friday will obviously be a big day for Whitehair and his status against the Miami Dolphins. However, the team does not have to make a corresponding roster move until 4 PM Saturday. They will have to release someone to bring Whitehair onto the roster. Keep an eye on what happens here.